This Outdoor Wedding in São Paolo, Brazil, Featured Dozens of Tropical Floral Arrangements

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groom holding bride in wedding attire outdoors — São Paulo Fotografia

A little more than a year after hitting it off at a skate event, Nérida, a model, and Thiago, a rapper, found themselves having a day at São Paulo's Paulista Avenue, a popular tourist spot where Thiago would later perform a street concert. "After we arrived, in the middle of the rapping, he took the ring and asked me to marry him," says Nérida. "All my friends appeared out of nowhere. It was beautiful—but I was super shy!"

Almost a year after the surprise proposal (and after two years together), on February 24, 2019, Nérida and Thiago tied the knot at Espaço Ravena Garden—also in São Paulo—in front of their 90 guests. They had hot, sunny weather (February is summer in Brazil!)—"The day was beautiful," recalls Nérida—that allowed them to show off their outdoor, poolside locale, which they decorated with bright, tropical floral arrangements. The event's flowers beautifully reflected the warm, balmy season; the duo let these lush components do the talking and kept the rest of their décor understated and modest, with a subtle rustic vibe (another nod to the natural landscape). "It was beautiful, as I imagined," says Nérida of the event's decorations. "Very exciting and full of love."

As for the bride's best advice for couples currently planning their own big days? "I've learned that a wedding requires a lot of physical and mental effort. It was a unique experience, but it demanded a lot of organization," she says. "Having a wedding planner is fundamental—and something that I would recommend to everyone."

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Her Couture Gown

off-the-shoulder sheath floral wedding dress — São Paulo Fotografia

As a professional model, Nérida is no stranger to gorgeous gowns—but her Solaine Piccoli off-the-shoulder sheath wedding dress, with its floral design over illusion tulle, was more special than most. "My dress was made for me," she says of her custom creation, which she helped design. "What I loved about the dress was how it represented me in a subtle, elegant way."

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Veiled Complement

bride wedding gown round chic headpiece — São Paulo Fotografia

Instead of a long veil that would cover her dress and train, Nérida wore a chic round headpiece with a broach accent from Vienna-based designer Niely Hoetsch.

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A Bursting Bouquet

tropical blooms wedding bouquet — São Paulo Fotografia

Nérida chose a bouquet of tropical blooms from designer Kafiori, with varieties that ranged from bright red ginger flowers to subtle peachy alstroemeria. The mix was arranged in a tall oval shape and backed by dark green exotic leaves.

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In Love

bride groom posing in front of ivy wall — São Paulo Fotografia

Thiago's tan suit, from São Paulo atelier VG Dândis, created a subtle contrast against Nérida's lace gown—but stood out against the ivy-covered wall, studded with glowing lights, that the couple chose as a background for their portraits.

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All in the Details

groom blue pocket square wedding boutonniere — São Paulo Fotografia

For the ceremony, Thiago donned a traditional tie and pocket square in a pale blue fabric with tiny white polka dots; his boutonnière, a subtle sprig of lavender, tied into the rest of the floral design.

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Girls' Night

bride groom young girls pose under chandelier — São Paulo Fotografia

The couple's littlest ladies brought out their best dresses for the event; they wore three summery white gowns with lace accents and floral details.

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Rainbow Connection

bride and bridesmaids colorful gowns — São Paulo Fotografia

Friends and family joined the couple's bridal party, which included some of Nérida's nearest and dearest; the women wore a collection of coordinating gowns in a rainbow of pastel shades. "Each bridesmaid chose their own dress," she says. "The only thing I asked for was the color."

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Poolside Paradise

wedding outdoor ceremony space pool side — São Paulo Fotografia

For their ceremony location, Nérida and Thiago chose a covered poolside spot, where ornate metalwork supported a roof that shielded guests from the sun. Potted cacti and floral arrangements built on the couple's décor scheme. "I chose an open place because I wanted to be close to nature," says Nérida.

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Oh, Boy!

wedding ring bearers blue suspenders shorts — São Paulo Fotografia

Two dressed-to-the-nines ring bearers sported suspenders and formal shorts as they eagerly raced down the aisle, charming guests who pulled out their phones to capture the moment.

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Brother and Sister

outdoor wedding processional siblings — São Paulo Fotografia

Nérida's brother escorted her down the aisle to "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys in what the bride says was her favorite part of the day.

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Petals to the Metal

wedding ceremony tropical floral arrangement — São Paulo Fotografia

Architectural blooms in shades of bright pink and peach stood out against variegated leaves, striking ferns, and yellow-edged plants in the larger-scale arrangements that decorated the ceremony spot.

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An Emotional Moment

groom tipping hat wedding ceremony — São Paulo Fotografia

Seeing his bride process down the aisle was just as emotional for Thiago, who took off his hat as he wiped a tear away.

During the ceremony, Nérida and Thiago exchanged vows they wrote themselves in a religious service officiated by their friend, pastor Rafael Nascimento.

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The Rings

wedding bands custom wood disc twine string — São Paulo Fotografia

For their wedding bands, the couple chose simple, matching plain bands, which were secured with natural twine to a custom-engraved wooden disc from Atelie Mari Marchi.

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Husband and Wife

bride groom wedding recession green carpet — São Paulo Fotografia

After the ceremony, the joyful newlyweds recessed down the aisle as friends and family cheered and showered them with confetti.

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Sealed with a Kiss

bride groom outdoor wedding ceremony kiss — São Paulo Fotografia

The new Mr. and Mrs. shared a sweet kiss before posing for their professional portraits during the cocktail hour.

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Favors and Flowers

vintage hutch floral vases wedding favors — São Paulo Fotografia

A vintage hutch inside the venue displayed colorful flowers in white and metallic vases alongside custom treats wrapped in brown paper bags.

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Small Wonder

white wedding vase colorful plan — São Paulo Fotografia

White bud vases held bird of paradise flowers; they added a structural element to the tablescapes.

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Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

wedding menu non-floral accents — São Paulo Fotografia

Other mismatched floral accents included ferns in small ceramic vessels, which were placed next to pale pink blooms surrounded by hurricanes. The couple's menu design included the same ferns and florals featured prominently in the fresh arrangements, tying the day's various elements together.

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Flower Power

cocktail lounge plant arrangement finger foods — São Paulo Fotografia

The cocktail lounge offered a guests a selection of finger foods, thoughtfully displayed on coordinating stands and plates, surrounded by potted plants in mismatched vases.